While students may drop in, appointments are strongly recommended, especially during midterms and at the end of the semester. To make an appointment, call the Writing Center at (262) 552-5536.

You may also request a tutoring session by email. Send your name, phone number, and the day and time you would like to come in to: writingcenter@carthage.edu . You will receive a phone call or email reply confirming your time slot.

Please bring a copy of your assignment and two copies of your current draft (one for you, one for the tutor). Tutoring sessions last 45 minutes and begin on the hour.

The Writing Center is located in the upper level of the Hedberg Library, on the north end. We are near the video collection.

Questions, concerns, suggestions? Email the Director: mpreston@carthage.edu

Don't have time to come in for an appointment? Try the Online Writing Center! It allows you to send questions about your paper through Blackboard. Here's how to sign up:

1. Access Blackboard
2. Click on the "Course Catalog" button
3. Login (Or click on the small button reading "Preview")
4. Type "OLWC" in the Search box
5. Click on the "Preview" button to view Online Writing Center page
6. Click on the "Enroll" button to sign up

The purpose of the Writing Center is to help you become a better writer. We are not a proofreading service, and will not simply correct technical errors for you. However, we are pleased to help you address any issues, concerns, or questions you have about your writing.

In reviewing your essay, tutors are most likely to help you address issues of focus, clarity, organization and style. In order to help the tutors help you, it is best to let us know what you are thinking about your writing, what questions you have and what kind of help you are seeking.

Technical concerns in your writing will not be ignored. If a tutor notices a pattern of error, she or he will call that error to your attention and help you alleviate the problem. Becoming aware of your own most common errors will also help you become a better proofreader of your own material. Our ultimate goal is to help you improve your own ability to write and revise.

What does the Writing Center do?
The Writing Center's goal is to help you become a better writer. We offer one-on-one tutoring sessions to help you identify and correct your most common writing errors.

What happens in a tutoring session?
The tutor, or writing fellow, will ask you to explain your assignment and read your paper out loud. The writing fellow will suggest areas for improvement, talk with you about your paper, and help you learn how to deal with common mistakes.

Do you just look at grammar and punctuation?
No. In fact, we tend to look at the structure of your paper first--the main points, the order of your ideas, and your conclusion. In our view, having good, well-organized thoughts makes you a better writer than having a mechanically perfect paper that's really disorganized.

How finished does my paper have to be?
You can come to the Writing Center at any stage of the writing process--whether that's figuring out what you're going to write about, putting your thoughts in order, or polishing up a final draft. We can help even if you're still trying to come up with a topic.

Can I drop off my paper?
No. To get the full benefit of the Writing Center, you must come in for a session with a tutor.

How long do tutoring sessions last?
Tutoring sessions begin on the hour and last 45 minutes.

Will you fix all my mistakes?
No. But we will point out the errors that you make most often and spend time showing you how to correct them. That helps you become a better writer in the long run.

Where is the Writing Center?
We are located on the ground floor of Hedberg Library. The Writing Center is on the north end toward the back, near the video collection.

Do I need an appointment?
Yes. We strongly recommend making an appointment. Although you can drop in, we might not be able to see you that day. Our slots get booked very fast, especially during midterms and finals. It helps to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment.

What is the Online Writing Center?
The Online Writing Center allows you to send your paper through Blackboard. You must be registered to use the Online Writing Center, and you must include questions with your paper. For instructions on how to access the Online Writing Center, click here.

How can I contact the Writing Center?
You can call us at (262) 552-5536 or email your request for an appointment to writingcenter@carthage.edu.

What are the requirements? To be a writing fellow, you should:

• Be an strong writer

• Enjoy working with people

• Be responsible and reliable

• Be able to work 10 hours a week

• Be committed to helping others

Do I have to be an English major?
Nope! We encourage students from diverse majors to become writing fellows.

Do I need previous tutoring experience?
No. If you're hired, we'll train you.

How do I apply? The application process has two parts:

Part One: Submit A Writing Sample

• Choose a sample of your best academic, analytic writing. Please do not submit creative writing or personal essay.

• Make sure that the paper is error-free and remove any headers containing your name.

• Print out a clean copy.

• Write a brief (about 1 paragraph) description of the assignment for which you wrote the paper.

• Include two cover sheets: one with your name and one without.

• Staple your writing sample and drop it off at the Writing Center or Jean Preston's office.

Once we receive your writing sample, three of the current fellows and the director will read it with your name removed. We'll give it a rating and decide whether to ask you in for an interview.

Part Two: The Interview and Mock Tutoring Session

If we are impressed by your writing sample, we'll ask you to come in for an interview. This will be a mock tutoring session in which you act as the tutor. You will "tutor" one of the current writing fellows using an actual student paper. This interview isn't meant to be a high-stress experience, but to let us see how you work with people and how you approach writing. You'll also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the position. After the interview, we'll decide whether or not you'll be offered the position.

What happens if I'm hired?
Once you've officially been hired, you'll begin training. It requires 4-5 hours a week and includes reading, observing tutoring sessions, writing accounts of your observations, and meeting with the director. It is, in effect, structured much like a class. You will be paid for all the time you spend training. If you wish, you may take it for course credit instead. Ask Anne Shaw for more details if you are interested in this option.

What happens if I'm not hired?
You are welcome to reapply. Not everyone who ends up as a writing fellow makes it on the first try.

Once I'm trained, when would I start?
As soon as you've completed the training and feel comfortable leading a tutoring session, you'll be able to start tutoring.

Do I have to work 10 hours/week? Typically, yes. "Full time" for a student writing fellow is 10 hours/week. Special arrangements can be made on a case by case basis for fewer or additional hours. Please note that once a witing fellow's hours are determined, they are considered to ba a firm commitment that cannot be changed mid-semester.

Could I work during J-term or over the summer?
Yes. We almost always have a need for writing fellows during these times. If you choose, you can pick up extra hours, and you'll be compensated accordingly.

How much does the position pay?
Presently, Writing Fellows begin at the current Carthage minimum wage, with pay increases for each year of service.

What other benefits does the job offer?
The position looks great on a resume, and you'll be able to provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to your skills as a student, an employee, and a tutor. This position definitely gives you a leg up if you are interested in pursuing graduate studies with an eye toward becoming a teaching assistant. It's also good experience if you are looking at a career in teaching. Last but not least, writing fellows agree that looking at others' writing has immensely improved their own writing abilities.